Energy UK is reviewing comms to support its efforts to protect the vulnerable from fuel poverty over the winter.

The trade association, whose members generate more than 90 per cent of UK electricity, has a six-figure brief out to promote the Home Heat Helpline, which offers advice and reassurance on paying fuel bills.

The process follows a winter in which an estimated 24,000 more people than usual died in England and Wales – a rise linked by some with escalating energy bills.

The brief is understood to last for two years and stretches across consumer, b2b and public affairs. Fishburn Hedges, which has held the account for two years, will be repitching. The review will not affect the agency’s other work with Energy UK on raising awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Lesley McLeod, director of comms and public affairs for Energy UK, said: ‘The work won’t be broad brush – it will be targeting those such as the elderly or vulnerable who are worried about their bills, and signposting to those people that this service is here.’